Airbus renames C Series aircraft developed by Bombardier as the A220

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Under the C Series partnership, in which Airbus has a majority stake, the Bombardier jet has taken on a new name, the A220. PHOTO: Airbus Group

MONTREAL—Bombardier Inc.’s name will no longer appear on its C Series jet, which has been officially renamed the A220 as it joins the Airbus family of commercial aircraft.

The name change comes after Airbus officially took a majority stake in the C Series program earlier this month.

What was the CS100 will be known as the A220-100, while the larger CS300 will be the A220-300.

The new name aligns with Airbus’ popular A320neo aircraft.

The change was announced Tuesday at Airbus’ headquarters in Toulouse, France.

“We are thrilled to welcome the A220 to the Airbus family and are honoured to see it wearing its new Airbus colours for the first time,” Guillaume Faury, Airbus president commercial aircraft, said in a news release.

“I pay tribute to all the women and men at Bombardier and the supply chain who have strived over the past years to bring this fantastic aircraft to the world.”

He said the 100- to 150-seat plane enters a new phase supported by Airbus’ vast resources.

The technology of the newly designed plane that results in higher fuel efficiency and quieter engines gives it a “decisive edge” in a very competitive market, added Eric Schulz, Airbus chief commercial officer.

“All these reasons contribute to my optimism that Airbus will support to make the A220 a great commercial success.”

Bombardier said in a statement that it fully supports the rebranding.

“It is a clear signal to the market that Airbus has put its full weight behind the program, which should accelerate sales momentum and cost reduction efforts,” it stated.